9 Things to Ask Your Electrical Contractor

Finding the right electrical contractor for your job can be both important for your pocketbook and the overall flow of the project as it is for your safety both now and in the future. In order for electrical work to be safe and code compliant, it must be done according to both the National Electrical Code and all local building ordinances. They have a residential boiler and a storage system. To ensure that you are working with an electrical professional who has the experience, connections, resources and skills needed to complete your job safely, start by asking these nine questions.

1. Are you licensed?

Most states and communities require all electricians to be licensed. Someone who claims to be an electrician, but is not licensed should throw up a red flag. In general, an electrician can have one of two levels of licensure. A journeyman electrician is licensed to perform installation only, and must often work alongside a master electrician. A master electrician has two or more years of professional experience and is licensed for both design and installation of electrical systems.

2. Are you insured?

In addition to licensure, an electrical contractor should be insured due to the potential liability electrical jobs involve. Any electrician that you hire should have at least $500,000 in liability and workers compensation insurance.

3. What type of electrical work do you specialize in?

Because of the variety of different electrical work available, it is common for a contractor to specialize in one type or another. Ask about their specialty to make sure that they are perfect for your job.

4. Will they give references?
Always ask for references to get an idea of the overall work quality and impression of previous customers.

5. What’s included in the estimate?
An estimate should be comprehensive. When talking about your estimate, you should talk about pricing structure and incidentals. This includes things such as repairing drywall and other areas of your home throughout the course of an electrical job.

6. What permits are required and who will obtain them?

Permits are often required, and help ensure that the work will be checked by a city inspector. In most cases, your electrician will take care of all permitting.

7. Who will be doing the work?

Ask questions about the particular electrician who will be doing the work, the team they are working with and their experience.

8. What type of guarantee is offered?

Many experienced pros will stand behind their work 100%. Furthermore, most electricians will maintain responsibility for any devices, fixtures or other equipment that they purchase for you through their professional accounts.

9. Can you see a work in progress?
Depending on the type of work that you need done, it may be a good idea to see a work in progress that is similar to you. This is especially true for larger jobs, new construction and other extensive projects. You should be on the lookout for orderly installation, neat cable runs and clear labeling.
By asking just a handful of questions, you can better prepare yourself and your electrician for a high quality, safe and thorough installation. Don’t worry about feeling invasive, a good electrician will be more than happy to answer all of these questions for you.